NIgeria is in dire need of a solution to stem the rising spate of social vices like conflicts, insurgency, armed robbery, kidnapping, drugs abuse, which are the root of current security challenges, with all its attendant consequences, hence the need to reintroduce history and other subjects.
The Executive Secretary National Commission for Nomadic Education, Prof Bashir H. Usman, expressed this at the
opening ceremony of the Critique Workshop on the Adapted Curriculum Guides in Four (4) Subject Areas For The Education Of
the Nomadic Pastoralists And Migrant Fisherfolk/farmers
Holding At Grand Pela Hotels And Suites, Abuja from November 21 to 27, 2021.
“It is against this backdrop that the National Council of Education
directed for the re-introduction of certain subjects needed at the basic level such as History, Islamic Religious Studies, Christian Religious Studies and National Values comprising of; Social Studies, Civic and Security Education.
“However, the process of curriculum revision continues with a view to attaining improvements each time, for the overall development of education. it is envisaged that the critique of the adapted curriculum towards effective teaching and learning of these subjects, would go a very long way in restoring In our educational system, the virtue of brotherhood and citizenship, such that the learner would have a clear
understanding of our collective history as a people, our rich cultural heritage and so, the compelling need for peace, tolerance and accommodation,” he said.
According to him, the effectiveness of any programme requires continuous improvement, through update, of relevant educational materials for the attainment and sustenance of standards.
“I am glad to let you know that the review and adaptation of the above curriculum, took place in June, 2021.
“We are here today to critically examine the draft of the curriculum, to ensure its appropriateness and
quality.
“Distinguished invited guests, lades and gentlemen, Curriculum provides a cardinal link between education delivery and set national goals and objectives.
“It must therefore, be characterized by relevance, appropriateness, adequacy and demands of the time, in terms of contents shaping and stimulation of the minds of
learners/children of diverse background in terms of culture, ethnic, religious and social, in the spirit of peace, stability, security, development, integration and cooperation,” he said.
The Executive Secretary stressed that all are aware that the nation is plagued by myriads of
challenges, which are impeding its journey to nationhood, national growth and development.
“Evidently, there is a sharp decline in the understanding of our collective sense of history, moral values, social cohesion and rich cultural heritage as a people.
“It is getting worse amongst the youthful population in the country,
who have relapsed into all manners of social vices, ranging from conflicts, insurgency, armed robbery, kidnapping, drugs abuse, etc,” he added
He urged all that to make meaningful progress, they must
instill in the youth, that moral rectitude, that would enable them “shun this cancerous monsters, that is deeply eroding the fabric of our society and the solid foundation, laid by the founding fathers of our beloved Nation.”
He further urged all to recognise and see through the renaissance being ushered in, in the course of the critique process, “so that we can capitalize on the common adage of “Catch them young” by bringing our collective knowledge and experiences in crafting the curriculum in the course of the five-day workshop for the education of nomads in Nigerla.”
Professor Usman extended appreciation to their resource persons for accepting to be part of the critique process in spite
their other commitments.
“May I also seize this opportunity, to thank the Honourable Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu for his continuous support, relentless efforts and
commitment towards the delivery of NEP.
“This has enabled the Commission, get a pride of place amongst other Sister Parastatals in the Education Sector.
“This is a clear demonstration of the unwavering commitment of the Present Administration under the able Leadership of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buharl, GCFR, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, for the democratic dividends, particularly in education.
“I wish to very humbly, acknowledge the unflinching total support of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) In the Implementation of Nomadic Education Programme (NEP), particularly, for providing the requisite financial resources towards the conduct of this workshop.
“Finally, on behalf of the Governing Board, chaired by Prof. Gidado Tahilr, Management and Staff members of the Commission,” he said.
In his opening address, the Chairman Governing Board, National Commission For Nomadic Education, Prof. Gidado Tahir said that the workshop will re-inforce the efforts of the Honourable Minister of Education Malam Adamu Adamu, in providing quality education at all Ievels for the attainment of the much needed educational development in the country.
“It is my hope that the outcome of this critique workshop would further upgrade nomadic curriculum to the standard of the curriculums that are in use in the
conventional schools It would also accelerate the quality of nomadic education programme in the country, to enable nomadic children, to compete favourably with their fellow counterparts in conventional schools.
“The National Commission for Nomadic Education has over the years, been playing a leading role, in the education of the nomads in Nigeria and will continue to do so, to ultimately ensure that nomads are fully integrated In the development process of the country,” he said.
He thanked the Executive Secretary. and his management team for ensuring that the commission remains relevant in achieving the desired
standard in the Nomadic schools, as their mandate.
“They demonstrate commitment in ensuring that the target groups, are not left behind in the developrment of our nation, since education remains the bedrock of any nation’s development.
“I also wish to appreciate and commend the Resource Persons, Representatives from the various organizations and academician, who have found time to be part of this workshop.
“There is gain saying the fact that our Resource Persons are all known experts in their various fields.
“Their combined effort will surely give us a clean copy of the curriculum guides that will stand the test of time.
“May I also seize this opportunity to appreciate the Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and his Management team, for the commitment and support by providing, the much-needed funds to host this workshop, along with
other projects of the Commission,” he said.
Earlier in her welcome address, Head Of Department Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Rose Nwaji, said that the objectives of the workshop are, among others to critically examine the adapted curriculum in line with the National
Curriculum and NCNE Curriculum in Islamic Religious Studies (IRS),
Christian Religious Studles (CRS), History and National Values.
“Ensure that the topics across the levels (1-6) are suitable to the needs and aspirations of nomadic pastoralists and migrant fisherfolk/farmers
“Ensure that each topic will synchronize from performance objective to evaluation;
“Examine the appropriate teaching and learning activities and materials that stress the link between nomadic culture/lifestyle and their environment,
“Identify and infuse the gaps in the adapted Curriculum from the National Curriculum Guide and NCNE Curriculum,” she explained,
According to her, the workshop is also aimed at ensuring that the adapted Curriculum Guides meet the national standard of Basic Education In Nigeria; and
“Produce the hard and soft copies of the adapted Curriculum Guides,” she submitted.
